Faced with Xue Qinghe's request, a strange light flashed in Lin Mu's eyes as he secretly analyzed the pros and cons.
As an noble institution, the Heaven Dou Royal Academy was normally beyond the reach of commoners. Possessing the status of a Senior Teacher would provide him with a legitimate identity in the capital and save him a significant amount of administrative trouble. Since he had no other immediate plans, he decided there was no harm in taking on a nominal position.
Of course, this wasn't without its political implications. By agreeing to the Crown Prince's request, he would inevitably be labeled as a member of the Crown Prince's faction. In the eyes of the public, he was now standing with the Heaven Dou Empire.
However, Lin Mu knew the truth: this "Xue Qinghe" was actually Qian Renxue in disguise. Therefore, while standing with the Empire he was also effectively standing with the hidden heir of Spirit Hall. He didn't need to worry about the shadows sabotaging him when he was already dealing with the person who controlled them.
After making up his mind, Lin Mu clasped his hands in a formal salute. "It is my fortune that Your Highness values me so. I would be impolite to refuse. However, I have always been a man of few restraints and dislike the rigid rules of the academy."
"That is a minor issue," Xue Qinghe replied with a slight smile, a hint of genuine joy flashing in her eyes. "It is an honor for the academy to have a talent such as yourself. I, Qinghe, will ensure all these trivial matters are handled properly."
She hadn't expected him to agree so easily, but she wasn't satisfied yet. To her, a man even more outstanding than herself had to be firmly tied to her side.
"It is truly a blessing for Heaven Dou. To be honest, I felt an extraordinary affinity with you from the moment we met. We are of a similar age; why don't we set aside formality and address each other as brothers?" Xue Qinghe looked at Lin Mu with an earnest expression, her tone dripping with heartfelt sincerity.
Lin Mu frowned slightly. This woman was moving too fast.
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but I am merely a commoner. I dare not overstep by addressing the Crown Prince as a brother," Lin Mu said, bowing slightly to maintain a respectful distance.
Xue Qinghe remained unperturbed, her gentle smile unchanging. "With Brother Lin's talent, I am certain my Father would be delighted to grant you a title. Once you are of nobility, it won't be a problem."
Lin Mu's gaze sharpened. This woman appeared friendly, but she was incredibly domineering, constantly trying to force him into her social orbit. "Thank you again, but I am a simple person who prefers a quiet life. Let us avoid such complications."
Lin Mu had zero interest in the titles of the Heaven Dou Empire; a low-ranking noble title was just a leash that would allow others to suppress him with protocol.
Rejected repeatedly, a cold glint flashed deep in Xue Qinghe's eyes, but she maintained her facade. "It is alright. Everyone has their own ambitions. You can reconsider the title whenever you are ready."
Lin Mu remained indifferent. There was nothing wrong with being on friendly terms with the secret heir, as long as he maintained his independence.
"Your Highness, it is getting late. I shall take my leave," Lin Mu said, rising to excuse himself. He'd rather spend his time in meditation than in a diplomatic chess match.
"Brother Lin, allow me to see you out."
"No need. I know the way," Lin Mu replied bluntly.
Xue Qinghe froze, a rare flash of annoyance crossing her features. 'Does this man have no concept of etiquette?'
Watching Lin Mu's departing figure, her smile finally faded. Her eyes flickered with a mix of curiosity and coldness. At first, she hadn't fully believed Tang Yuehua's report, a Soul Saint in his early twenties seemed impossible. But now, the facts were undeniable.
The only thing that troubled her was his apparent lack of interest in power or status. He was polite on the surface but radiated a chilling indifference. However, the more he resisted her charm, the more it fueled her competitive spirit. 'Everyone has a weakness,' she thought. 'If a title doesn't work, I'll try beauty or rare treasures next time.'
Under Xue Qinghe's direct arrangement, the enrollment of Tang San and Xiao Wu was fast-tracked. They only needed to pass a standard Soul Power verification.
Early the next morning, Lin Mu led them to the academy. They were met at the gates by a middle-aged teacher named Sun Buyu, who had clearly been briefed by the Crown Prince. He led them to a testing room and produced a high-grade crystal.
"This is a Level 40 testing crystal. Once we verify your levels, we can finalize your registration."
"I'll go first!" Xiao Wu stepped forward, placing her hand on the sphere and injecting her Soul Power. The crystal erupted in a vibrant glow.
"Level 31!" Sun Buyu's eyes widened. A twelve-year-old Soul Elder? Even in the entire Heaven Dou Royal Academy, such a feat was unheard of.
He hurriedly recorded the data: 'Xiao Wu, 12 years old, Martial Soul: Soft-Boned Rabbit, Level 31 Power Attack System.'
Lin Mu watched from the side. He knew that if Xiao Wu hadn't been so lazy with her training over the last few years, she would be much higher. As for her third Soul Ring, she had "found" it in the Star Dou Great Forest before they left, using the same excuses as the original timeline. Lin Mu simply chose not to question it.
Next was Tang San. He stepped forward and placed his hand on the crystal. The sphere emitted a light so dazzling it eclipsed Xiao Wu's test.
"Level 34?!"
Sun Buyu's brain went blank. Level 31 at twelve was a miracle; Level 34 was a statistical impossibility.
"Wait... his Martial Soul is Blue Silver Grass?" Sun Buyu checked the registration form multiple times. It was a universally acknowledged trash martial soul. Yet, Tang San stood there, a prodigy that put every genius to shame.
He realized then that the academy's common knowledge was flawed. While a Martial Soul dictates the type of strength, it is Innate Soul Power that determines the ceiling of talent. Tang San was living proof that even grass could reach the heavens if the talent was there.